Page 6 of A Dawn So Dark

Noa rolled her eyes, not surprised by the turn of events. I slammed him into the wall, the room shaking from the force of impact. “How did you find her?” I growled, enraged as he shot me a proud grin. “This isn’t a game, Arden. Do you know who she is?!” I bellowed, turning and dragging him away from the infirmary, not wanting our conversation to be heard. I had half a mind to snap his neck and leave him to slowly recover in the dungeons. “What the hells are you two on about now?” Noa snaps, following in annoyance as I shoved Arden into the throne room. Arden laughed as he straightened,clearly amused by this whole situation, egged on by my reaction. “Ididn’t find her.Shefound me.”

I run a hand through my hair, this man would send me to my grave a few hundred years too early. This was going to end all we had built. “Where the fuck didshefind you?”

“A tavern outside of our borders in Maynard. I felt like someone had ripped my heart from my body and then she walked in, asking for directions. Shestabbeda man and left. It was the most attractive thing I had ever witnessed in my life. I was desperate to see her again so I gave her directions. She just so happened to follow the directions I gave her that coincidentally brought her here. I figured you would want to meet her.” Arden shrugged, a shit-eating grin forming on his lips. He was treating this like a game. He had put everything we had built in jeopardy. “She's something, huh? Such an angry little thing.”I was really going to fucking kill him.

“She is not just any human, you imbecile!” I bellowed, the stone walls reverberating, shuddering beneath my power. “She is Arthur's daughter!” Igrowled, trying to express the gravity of the situation. Now that she was here, war was inevitable. Everything we had was in jeopardy. He froze, blue eyes wide in realization of what he had done.Stupid fucking prick. “No, she- That isn’t her. She can’t beour- That’s not her, Daemon.” Arden shook his head, he had messed up and he knew it. “You think I wouldn’t know the second I laid my eyes on her? You dragged her here in rags, bloodied, how daft could you be? You heard exactly what she said. He drove her away, she’s promised to another-”

“Like hells, she is.” At least we agreed on one thing. She belonged to us, not to whichever wife-beating human royal Arthur had promised her to. “I swear, Daem, I had no clue. Her scent hit me and I couldn't think straight.”

“Noa, send someone to Maynard and figure out who the Princess of Camelot is engaged to.” I sighed, moving up the dias to sit on the dark oak throne planted at its center, burying my face in my hands. This was a disaster. I felt everything in my body begin to scream in protest at the distance between us, desperate for hertouch. “What in the seven blazes of hellsare you two on about?” Noa demanded, smacking Arden’s arm. Arden looked to me, remorse consuming his features. He should feel remorseful.He had all but stolen away our enemy’s daughter.“I led the Princess of Camelot to Darkspire” Arden swallows, his Adam's apple bobbing as his eyes flash with hated desire. “She's my mate.”

Noa hit him again, a string of profanities leaving her otherwise cordial mouth. She had always been interested in Arden,I was surprised she did not break his neck right then and there. She was going to stab me for what I was about to say. “And, she’s my mate.”

Chapter 10

Aurora Artorias

My eyes snapped open, fear wracking my body as I shot up. My wounds screamed in protest as I found several maids surrounding me. A damp cloth rested across my forehead while the rest of my body had been bandaged. “Where in the seven hells am I?” I hoarsely gasped, pushing their hands away from me. I seemed to be in the infirmary, beds lined down the large hall, all vacant. What kind of infirmary had no patients? Vampires, I supposed.

A bad idea it would turn out, as I wobbled even standing.How was I going to run like this?

I dug in a trunk by the servant’s entrance and struck luck when I found maids' garb that was likely there for when maids were soiled by their patients. Quickly changing, which was both painful and difficult, I slipped into the servant’s stairwell. I needed to be quick. I was likely still bleeding into my bandages and there was no telling who would find me. I pulled the cloak down over my eyes as I reached the washroomwhere maids were scrubbing clothes. Surely I was about to be discovered, likely being the only human in the room. Instead, a basket of clean linens was shoved into my arms. “Take this to the King’squarters and refresh his beds. And he and theGeneral may also be in need of areprievewhile you are up there, so do tend to their needs.”The lead maid instructed, shooing me off down another hall. Swallowing hard, I nodded, using this as a means to escape undetected. I hurried down the long corridor and found myself in a hall lined with very few doors. I assumed it was the King’s quarters. I briefly considered searching for the General’s chambers as well .Curious to learn about …Reprieve… I am sure with their looks he was well acquainted with a woman. Even a woman with no experience. Would they want me to offer a reprieve?

I pushed away my obscene thoughts and hurried past his door, being as quiet as I could as I reached a stairwell that hopefully led to an exit. The stairwell opened up into a hallthat led to what was likely the great hall on one end and the banquet hall on the other. I headed towards the banquet hall and ducked into theservant’s entrance, finding a bustling kitchen. Using the busy atmosphere to my advantage, I skirted along the back wall, having seen what looked like a door out to a courtyard. I nearly cried tears of joy when I felt the fresh air hit my face as I stepped out into the courtyard, my slippers meeting cobblestone. Only a few people stood in the small courtyard, a few men skinning deer, and a few ladies gossiping by the pit where the dishes were washed. A peaceful scene.

Dropping the basket of linens, I hurried down the path that led towards the sound I prayed to the goddesses was a bustling city square. My heart soared as I turned the bend and saw a busy market place. Tradesmen and farmers bustled about. Whatever the King's plans for me would not come to pass. I was going to get out of here.I was so close.I wove through the square. Apparently, maids of the castle were not uncommon in the square, I may as well have been invisible. It was perfect. As I made close to the end of the square, I heard a commotion coming from behind me. I glanced over my shoulder and saw the glint of black armor pushingits way through the crowd. Panic rose inmy chest as I turned and forced my way through the crowd.

“There she goes! Seize her!” A guard shouted. “Stop her!” I felt hands grab at my cloak, pulling me back as I tried to run. Pulling the tie free, releasing me from the cloak's hold, I took off into a sprint despite the burn in my back, legs, chest, and head. My slippers were barely holding on as they pounded against the cobblestone. Pain shot up my legs, rattling my bones as I pushed myself. Knowing they were gaining on me, I turned down an alleyway and hid behind a large stack of crates, praying the smell of meat in them would mask the smell of my sweat and anxiety. When I heard them pass, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.Moving to turn to escape down the alleyway, I came in contact with what felt like a brick wall. A warm, strong, brick wall that smelt like rich wine and worn leather.There was no way I was lucky enough to just be running into a good smelling wall.I slowly look up as the said wall lets out a deep chuckle. As I felt that chuckle vibrate my ribcage, I realized it was the King himself I had run into. His steely, gray gaze was fixated on me as he lookeddown. Cursing to myself, I turned and tried to make a break for the main road but was yanked backwards at such a great speed that I was sure I had never moved in the first place. My back was flush against his chest and I braced myself.

“Get the fuck off of me!” I gritted out, attempting to free myself from his grip. Another chuckle reverberated from his chest to my back. Well, more like my shoulders and back of my head as he towered well over a foot over my head. “I wondered if you would fight me as you did the guards… I am surprised by you, little human. You nearly made it out of the capital.” His deep, sinful voice sent a shiver down my spine. “You have put up quite the fight.” I threw my head back, trying to headbutthim to no avail. “Give me a blade and I will show you a fight!” I growled, trying to swing an elbow back into his manhood but his large hand held me in place. I yelped when I was quickly pressed into the sidewall of the alley, my chin turned to my right shoulder as his full body held me in place. My cheeks burned from the intimate contact, a far different sensation filling my body than it had when Iwas being held against the tree in Camelot. Then I had feltfear, disgust, and… disgust. Now I feltwarm, flushed, restless.“I heard you were keen on stabbing men.” The King chuckled against the shell of my ear, sending a warm shiver down my spine. I tried to swing my foot into his but I was powerless in this position. “I could show you my skill with a blade. I am known for my creativeness in causing men pain.”

A laugh, a real laugh, not a chuckle or damn near purr escaped his lips. “You put up a good fight, little human. Truly.” I rolled my eyes, continuing to squirm and thrash. There was no way I was going down gently.I would not give the Vampire King the satisfaction. “It wasn’t exactly hard. You have pisspoor guards. I’ve seen guard dogs with more wits about them. Now, get your fucking hands off me!” I swung my hips back into his manhood as hard as I could, knocking him back far enough that I could slip from his hold. Using his surprise to my advantage, I took off down the opposing side of the alley. All hopes of escape were crushed when the General appeared just ahead of me as if from thin air, an amused grin takinghis features. Letting out aloud growl of frustration I turned to go back the way I came but just as I thought, the King stood in my path.They had me cornered. “I refuse to go back to your godsforsakendungeon!” I aggressively waved a finger at the King. “Don’t you have anything better to do?!” The King chuckled yet again, glancing over me atthe General, clearly amused by me. “You really let a human get the slip on your men.”

The General grumbled in offense before gesturing to me. “Last I checked, I didn’t get knocked in themanhood. By all means, I wouldgladlylet her. Now, do you want me to bring her back or do you want to give it a shot?” The prospect of his offer flushed my cheeks.

“I think I can manage her. Have your men stand down but increase their presence on the perimeter. If she runs it shall be right into you.” The King smirked down at me confidently. He looked far too young for the throne. In his late twenties at least. But, he was a Vampire. There was no telling how old he was. Merlin told me, when he tutored me in my teenage years, that Vampires were immortal unless killed. “Are you going to behave? Or am I going to have to drag you?” I knewwith my injuries that dragging would be painful, but my pride bested me. I swung my fist at him, praying it would land. He caught my fist as if it were nothing and pulled me up over his shoulder in one swift move. My skirts were torn to shreds and visible now that my cloak had not made it. “Unhand me!” I pounded my fist on his back, my scream only met with an amused chuckle.

“Hate to miss the show, little human. Try not to stab anything while I’m gone.” The General commented with a wink, nearing so he could lift my chin with his strong, unwavering grip. I fell still under his touch, his piercing gaze holding mine as a devilish smirk grew on his lips. “You are going to be so much fun, little human.” I attempt to pull myself free of his touch to no avail, only spurring him on. “So. Much. Fun.” His near demonic grin remained as he turned, vanishing in a leather clad blur down the alley. I startled, unsure of how hecould have left us so quickly. Leaving the two of us. I yelled in frustration as the King steadied me on his shoulder.

I studied himas best I could from his back. He was dressed far more casually than before. He nowdonned a black tunic and dark slacks to match. No crown of obsidian adorned his head.Were all Vampire men as… beautiful as him? The men in my kingdom paled in comparison, the General and the King proved that the men of this world were nothing short of perfection. I blinked, a rush tousling my hair around me. The streets of the market whirled around me and the castle floors replaced my view in mere moments.How had he… I knew Vampires were strong and powerful creatures.His castle differed from Camelot. The walls held power, history. There was a reverence to the halls. Large windows lined the long and winding halls, overlooking the square or the courtyards. Father always insisted that there should be a firm degree of separation between the royal family and our people. A barrier to serve as a reminder that we were above them. That was why the seven circles of the city were erected. Seven walls to worship the gods and remind everyone of their place. We neared a large oak door, designs ofvines and flowers carved into the wood. Before I could study it further I was escorted inside the room with several guards lining the door outside. “Is that really necessary?” I mumbled, realizing we were inhis personal study. Books lined one wall entirely, desperately calling to me. I had not seen a book in weeks, and I worried my father had likely burned mine out of rage for disappearing. The furniture was dark and looked as if it had been crafted hundreds of years ago. And his desk was carved of an oak so dark, it appeared a deep black. He set me back on my own two feet, moving a hand to my shoulder to ensure I did not fall. The King gave me a pointed look. “You tell me. Can I trust you? My General seems to think you are a flight risk.”Did they discuss my imprisonment? My execution?He took a seat and gestured for me to sit as well. I warily moved forward and sat across from him as a show that I wouldn’t run,yet.

“Why are you here?” He asked, leaning back in his seat. His posture was relaxed, at ease. As if he weren’t conversing with the daughter of his greatest enemy. Well, I suppose he did not know that, hence the relaxation. “I believe I explained myself before your court last night,Your Majesty.” He rolled his eyes at the enunciation of his title, his jaw ticking in frustration.It was… stirring to say the least. Watching his fists clenchand unclench… his forearms reacting to the movement. Heat bloomed in my chest as I watched his long, strong fingers drum against the desk. I recalled the claws I had seen grow from his hands last night, razor sharp and deadly. My eyes snapped up to meet his gaze in slight panic. He had caught me… fixated on him.

“I meant, why are you, thePrincess of fuckingCamelot, here?”

Chapter 11

Aurora Artorias

The King's question rang like a bell in my skull as he eyed me with a cocky smirk. He watched in fascination as my resting face of confidence faded. He had me dead to rights. He could easily have me tossed back into the mud infested dungeons and I would not blame him. My father had committed heinous crimes against his people. I felt my heart drop to my stomach, and my stomach leap to my throat as I nodded. Inhaling deeply, waiting for him to call in his guards to drag me away. “What I said last night was true, Your Majesty. I am running from a marriage… my father arranged it.” Bile began to rise in my throat at the thought of my father and Thane out there looking for me. Would the King hand me over to him? Surely, I had to be grandleverage to negotiate a treaty… or start a war.

“There’s another reason.” This felt like less of a demand and more like genuine concern. Despite his sincerity, a burning in my chest left me uneasy in regards to his true intentions. I swallowed hard beforeanswering honestly, “I am running from my father. If I had stayed he would have killed me. Or, more likely, the man he promised me to would have that honor.”

The King's eyes turned dark as the forest I had stumbled my way through to get here. The room fellcold, goosebumps littered my skin as his lips curved into a wicked smirk as he let out a scoffof disbelief “Arthur must really be desperate to be rid of you if he offered your hand. Camelot'sinfinitesupply of gold must finally be running dry. You were wise to run.” So, he knew of my father’s slow decline into destitution. I sat forward in my seat, my body screaming in protest. I could feel the stitches on my back begin to tear. “As I recall, I was running not too long ago and you stopped me. May I get back to making my wise decisions?”

The King chuckled, earning an eye roll from me. “Oh,little Princess, running from me is not smart. You are not leaving, no matter how many times you roll those pretty eyes at me.” When I sat back in annoyance, the King continued. “Where did you learn to fight?”

I smirked confidently. I loved fighting, the adrenaline that came with it. “Oh,did I daze you,Your Majesty? How is your manhood holding up?” His gaze darkened to a near pitch black, his features darkening with them. He looked on the brink of losing control. “Do you want to see how my manhood is holding up,Aurora Artorias?” The way he spoke.

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